This is an auction for COLLECTING HIMSELF: ON WRITING AND WRITERS, HUMOUR AND HIMSELF, by James Thurber.

"In gathering material for this collection of Thurber's works, Rosen, literary director of Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, had the cooperation of Rosemary Thurber, her father's executor. The book is a heady mix: laser-sharp criticism of shoddy, pretentious plays and novels balanced by insightful praise of worthy ones; comments, more in anger than in sorrow, on New Yorker founder Harold Ross and others whom Thurber considered to be over-zealous editors; essays on humour, etc. The anthology includes an abundance of reprinted material but also pieces not previously published - every entry a reminder of Thurber's (1894-1961) sublime wit."

• Publishers Weekly (US)

"Thurber was one of America's most important humourists. With this collection, editor Rosen brings together an eclectic body of Thurber's writings and drawings not previously anthologized. What is revealed is a glimpse of Thurber the man, the philosopher, and the critic. A number of the pieces are excerpts from Thurber's many interviews and commentaries, spanning some 30 years. In these he shares with the reader his coping with progressive blindness, his method of drawing, his writing tactics, and his personal relationships. His critical views on theatre, other writers, and the state of humour itself are also divulged. This volume will be a welcome addition to collections of standard Thurber fare and is essential for scholars."

• Library Journal (US)

Hardback 1989.

263 pages.

Illustrations by JT throughout.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95, or $6.40 by tracked mail. If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $8.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston ?North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.